Transparency at VšZP and dialogue without emotion

In the case of the General Health Insurance Company, he opted to give one board member a temporary mandate for a short period, while at the same time launching public selection procedures to fill all three positions. He says this is the fastest and most transparent procedure, giving a broad spectrum of candidates the chance to apply. In negotiations with the doctors’ trade unions, he advocates for a factual approach, working with up-to-date data, and mutual respect. He reminds that healthcare is not just hospitals, but also the outpatient sector and other professions that must be part of the solutions.

Audits, central purchasing, and measuring efficiency

The minister considers it crucial to increase the efficiency of state hospitals rather than just address wages as an isolated topic. He announces personnel and output audits, as well as the centralization of public procurement of medicines, materials, energy, and premises. The goal is to know the real, comparable costs and only then set “economically justified” expenditures—that is, prices and processes that are purposeful and proportionate to the outcome for the patient. He says only data from the audits will show where savings can be made without worsening quality and where capacities need to be strengthened.

Regarding the memorandum with doctors, he wants to reinstate a forgotten control mechanism: a monitoring committee with representation from both the government and the unions that will regularly evaluate the fulfillment of the points. He described transforming hospitals into joint-stock companies as not a priority—the name of the form is not important; what matters is halting indebtedness and improving performance. He speaks about the situation at the turn of the year with an emphasis on agreement and continuity of care; he will negotiate as long as necessary. At the same time, he promises to continue open dialogue with the professional public at the regional level as well.